In 'Figuring', Maria Popova intertwines the lives of various historical figures, exploring their quests for understanding and meaning amidst the chaos of existence. Through the lens of creativity, science, and philosophy, she delves into the profound questions that have driven humanity for centuries. Each chapter reveals unexpected connections between these luminaries, painting a rich tapestry of interwoven ideas and inspirations. Popova's lyrical prose invites readers to reflect on their own journeys of discovery and the pursuit of knowledge. This thought-provoking narrative challenges us to consider what it truly means to 'figure' things out in a complex world.
By Maria Popova
Published: 2020
"In a world of constant noise, introspection becomes an act of rebellion, and through the quiet we can discover the profound interconnectedness of all things."
NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY ESQUIRE AND BOOKPAGE Figuring explores the complexities of love and the human search for truth and meaning through the interconnected lives of several historical figures across four centuries—beginning with the astronomer Johannes Kepler, who discovered the laws of planetary motion, and ending with the marine biologist and author Rachel Carson, who catalyzed the environmental movement. Stretching between these figures is a cast of artists, writers, and scientists—mostly women, mostly queer—whose public contribution have risen out of their unclassifiable and often heartbreaking private relationships to change the way we understand, experience, and appreciate the universe. Among them are the astronomer Maria Mitchell, who paved the way for women in science; the sculptor Harriet Hosmer, who did the same in art; the journalist and literary critic Margaret Fuller, who sparked the feminist movement; and the poet Emily Dickinson. Emanating from these lives are larger questions about the measure of a good life and what it means to leave a lasting mark of betterment on an imperfect world: Are achievement and acclaim enough for happiness? Is genius? Is love? Weaving through the narrative is a set of peripheral figures—Ralph Waldo Emerson, Charles Darwin, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Herman Melville, Frederick Douglass, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Walt Whitman—and a tapestry of themes spanning music, feminism, the history of science, the rise and decline of religion, and how the intersection of astronomy, poetry, and Transcendentalist philosophy fomented the environmental movement.
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“In a world of constant noise, introspection becomes an act of rebellion, and through the quiet we can discover the profound interconnectedness of all things.”
Figuring
By Maria Popova
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Maria Popova is a celebrated writer and the founder of the influential blog Brain Pickings, where she curates and reflects on literature, philosophy, art, and creativity. Known for her insightful and poetic prose, she explores the connections between ideas across disciplines, drawing inspiration from various fields. Among her notable works are 'Figuring,' a profound exploration of love, science, and the human experience, and her celebrated essays that blend personal narrative with deep intellectual inquiry. Maria's writing style resonates with readers for its lyrical quality and rich intertextuality, making complex concepts accessible and engaging.
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